It’s no fair!!

Remember the days of our youth when we would gather all the candy from our neighborhoods? We would drag those mounds of of delicious sugar and fat, and spend the next two weeks finishing that heap off. We never had a concept of consequences.
But now we've grown up, and that that pile of candy will go straight to our guts or hips.

It just doesn’t seem right. For most of us, Halloween conjures up a time of play and all things related to our childhood. Watching calories and counting carbs weren’t on our radar. But we’re not kids anymore. If you're like me, you count Halloween as a time when you are allowed to have sweets. Or, you may have children, and are worried about that you might be tempted to eat the candy to bring home. How does one make wise choices?

Fortunately, there is a way that you can enjoy the fun of Halloween and not go to bed guilty. It just takes a little preparation beforehand, especially if you have children. Here are a few tips and "tricks" to make the season of Trick-or-treating a little healthier:

FOOD
1. If you can control what comes in your home, you can make your holiday healthy and guilt free by incorporating fruits into your trick or treat bowl. Apples, Oranges, Pears and grapes can be just what the doctor ordered. Raisins, sugar-free dried fruits, pretzels, and nuts are another good alternative to give (and eat) as snacks.

2.If all else fails, stick to lollipops. They take a long time to eat, have no fat and can be just what you need to kick the sugar craving.

3. Other "good bad food choices" include Rice Crispy treats. 2 Bars are approx. 90 calories, 2 grams of fat and 19 grams of carbs. As long you are in moderation, you can be happy to know that you will survive the day.

4. Chocoholics, rejoice! a great option is the York Peppermint Pattie, at 50 calories and 11 grams of carbs, and they are low fat. The tiny Tootsie Rolls also work to keep things healthy. Just remember, moderation.

5.STAY AWAY from: Mounds, M&M’s, Rollos, Butterfingers and Milkyways. All have a large amount fat and calories. Add the high sugar content and you have thhe perfect storm for fat storage. If you absolutely MUST have any of these, try the BITE-SIZED version that most of the company's now utilize for Halloween.

6. Drink plenty of water, in general. Fall's colder winds can be dehydrating on the body. Water helps hydrate, and helps the body flush impurities in it's system (including all of the incoming Halloween sugar).

EXCERCISE

I know what you're thinking. You don't believe I actually dared to write a section on excercise in an article discussing Halloween. Just remember, excercise is an important part of health, will help burn those nasty Halloween calories, and does not need to be complicated to do. Below are some simple, and sneaky, ways to get in some physical activity.

1.If you have kids, a simple and fun way to celebrate Halloween (and perhaps create a new family tradition) is to go to the park BEFORE Halloween night, and enjoy brisk playtime. Even 30 minutes of moderate excercise--running, jumping, and general fun-time activity--burns calories.

2.You may want to spend the some earilier part of the day excercising. Jogging, doing aerobics, or simply taking a brisk walk around the block before you begin you Halloween festivities are all good activities to undertake.

3. DURING trick or treating, try to keep a brisk pace from your door to door candy-gathering adventure.

There is no reason you shouldn't enjoy the holiday. Have fun. Be a kid again with the tricks, but be a little grown-up with the treats. Happy Halloween!